Covet: Aspinal of London

My next few posts will most likely be dedicated to my newly discovered love Aspinal of London. The leatherware company was established "on the fundamental premise of offering our customers the most beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and design for home & living, created by our designers and each handmade by genuine craftsmen, to bring to you at an affordable price and great value." A while back I waxed poetic about Smythson of Bond Street and their perfect travel wallets for all of my (hopeful) future jaunts of international intrigue, but at $620-a-pop, I can't even attempt to purchase one of those! Aspinal offers all of the items above for less than half that price at $179. Now I am ALL about Aspinal and am already on hot pursuit for a travel wallet of my own. Did I mention, they personalize?!

J.Crew Jenna!

I'm back finally--I know all four of you readers, if that, missed me! Of course, I'm going to salivate over one of three things: Reed Krakoff, J.Crew or Louis Vuitton. Today is a day all about the Crew and their new essentials! I'm not one for costume jewelry--and as a matter of fact baby Jesus and the disciples were tres good to me in the diamond and fine jewelry department this year--but J.Crew has got me wanting, per their usual. As of now, I'm SALIVATING over the "Jenna" bracelet, a namesake for the creative design tycoon (I mean, I know its fashion, but she is). This lovely gold plated wrist accessory can be yours too, for $88--buckaroos!

Been Gone for a Minute, Now I'm Back with the Krakoff!

I am in love with handbags and while Prada is my numero uno designer choice for all things leather to tote, I am currently infatuated with a guy named Reed: Reed Krakoff, of Coach to boot! Krakoff's gorgeously sculpted "Boxer" tote and "Gym" bag are on my X-Mas/Hanukkah/Kwanza wish list and in a variety of colors, textures and mixtures for any handbag appetite delight! Here's to living luxuriously and coveting for a long time to come (Boxer starts @$990, Gym @ $890).

Want, Need, Have-to-Have: J.Crew Biennial Satchel

I am in love with Prada. I cannot afford Prada. But, I love to look for bags that hold the structure of Prada! I also love J.Crew and the two have now somewhat combined with the new Biennial tote. For $348 you too can own a nice and spacious work tote that doesn't scream expensive, but does represent an understated classic appeal. I'm not a credit card-carrying J.Crew VIP, but I still love to buy anything, especially on sale!

Watching my Wrist

I'm always lusting after something--I've been taking a break from blogging because of this--and have redirected my desires to a new silver timepiece. While I wish I could afford a beautiful and booty-ful (as in lots of money in "pirate speak") Cartier or Rolex instead I have turned my attention to these stylish Freelook watches that have apparently been mentioned everywhere (as seen on their website). I also love the Invicta "Camelot" collection, especially the 9331 style that I cannot seem to find anywhere (wait, found it!)! Either way, I have found my new addition even if it is at full price!

Covet: Cole Haan "Trillby" Loafers

While I love everything about summer, I'm ready for the fall cool down and have found the perfect slide ins for my jaunts across campus: Cole Haan Trillby Driver Loafers in luggage! Now while they may be a tad bit pricey at $119-a pop, they're those classic flats that can go with just about any outfit on the horizon.

A Rosy Heart in Knots

Just a post-ago in a time far, far away, I marveled at the lovely CODE rings from Lulu Frost. Now, my favorite color of gold--rose, that is--is tied up in a knot. For $365 (a dollar per day into 2012!), Avanessi can keep you all tied up with their "Love Knot" ring found at my favorite online jewelry boutique Max and Chloe.

Love by the Numbers

Everyone has a lucky number and now, Lulu Frost has designed the simple, yet expensive, CODE collection of rings with the numbers 1-9 for all of our superstitious or commemorative needs. Now while these rings will run about $440 for the simple gold or $880 for 18K-gold with diamonds I have found a cheaper, yet still lovely personalized ring at online jewelry boutique Max & Chloe for $60 by the line Nashelle.

Want, Need, Have to Have: MESSENGERS!

Greetings from the land of overstuffed tote bags! My arms are growing tired and while I love to look classic and refined, I find that my fave Cabas Mezzo and his friend St. Louie are becoming a little to heavy to handle. That is why I have turned to the land of the satchel and with an array of brands to choose from, I'm sure I can settle on one or maybe all.... of course, this would be brought to you by the department of wishful thinking. Listed above is the Cambridge Satchel from Scotland-based (and online) boutique Bohemia. Below are some other nice sidekicks from brands I have already mentioned and loved to others that I also presently salivate over. As of now, I've kicked Kate Spade to the side in favor of my British pride ($167.57 for 14" -- and they do monogram!)! And if you can't tell, I want it in ORANGE!

Michael Kors "Medium" Messenger Saddle Bag, $228.00 @ Nordstrom.com

Kate Spade Essex Scout, $395.00 @ KateSpade.com

Spotlight: Devi Rao Jewelry

Today, I happened upon a lovely cuff bangle reminiscent of Angelina Jolie-fave Asprey and did a little digging. It is from the brand Devi Rao:

Having literally grown up in the jewelry business, designer Ritu Bontha has a passion for jewelry and style. So after many years of importing and selling jewelry from all over the world, she designed and launched her own line for young and young-at-heart fashion forward women to express their individuality and personal style through jewels. Named for her most precious creations, her three children, Devi Rao Jewelry represents an esoteric style that is at once bohemian and chic.

The Devi Rao line was immediately picked up by numerous high-end boutiques across the country, and even some international ones. And hundreds of Facebook inquiries later, Ritu knew that there was a demand for hip, chic jewelry at affordable prices. Thus, the Devi Rao brand is dedicated to creating jewelry using pure metals, brilliant genuine gemstones, and handcrafted artistry with youthful, cutting edge design and an eye on value. Why own just one piece of Good Karma when you can have a whole collection?

Being a shop-aholic with champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, I appreciate Rao's 18K-Gold dipped sterling silver designs and look forward to purchasing the $125 bracelet pictured above. However, as you know, I NEVER pay full price!

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